Photo: Nightfall reflections at Payson Lakes via Wikimedia Commons — see the file page for the author and licence.
8,000 ftELEVATION
June-SeptSEASON
ReservableBOOKING
Conditions Right Now
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Nights run cold up here - pack warm layers even in July.
Why Camp Here
Payson Lakes is unusual for a Utah mountain campground in that the water is inside the campground, not a drive away, and there is a small swim beach on Big East Lake. Powerboats are not allowed, so it stays quiet enough for a float tube or a paddle. Roads and parking spurs are paved and hosts are on site, but there are no hookups and no phone service. Loop A stays first come, first served.
Tip: Box Lake and McClellan produce trout all summer. Great accessible fishing pier.
Around Camp
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Out the tent door: Spring Lake (Payson) (Fishing, 7 mi) · Salem Pond (Fishing, 9 mi) · Payson City Ponds (Memorial Park) (Fishing, 9 mi) · Burraston Ponds (Fishing, 10 mi)
Quick Answers
- Do I need a reservation at Payson Lakes Campground?
- Reservable via recreation.gov.
- What elevation is Payson Lakes Campground?
- 8000 feet. Season: June-Sept. Nights run cold up here - pack warm layers even in July.
- Why camp at Payson Lakes Campground?
- Because at 8,000 feet you can camp, fish, and swim without moving the car, which is rare on the Nebo Loop. Toilets are a mix of vault and flush, hosts are on site, and there are no hookups or phone service. Loop A is first come, first served if you did not plan ahead.